Joseph Powell: 'Duck Dynasty' dust-up a reminder that journalists should stand up for free speech

The “Duck Dynasty” dust-up demonstrates again a fact that many of us have understood for years – that the broadcast media really support free speech and expression only for those who have strong, influential support groups.

The “Duck Dynasty” dust-up demonstrates again a fact that many of us have understood for years – that the broadcast media really support free speech and expression only for those who have strong, influential support groups. Those journalists who firmly believe in First Amendment rights – free speech, free press and the free expression of religion – should be verbally standing up for these rights, but most are intimidated by special-interest groups, it appears. They loudly decry caving in to intimidation by politicians but actually are guilty of the same weakness, only to a greater extent.